Ahn Cheol-soo: "I Will Be the Leader Who Takes Up Arms First in a Crisis"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party, stated on March 1st, Samiljeol (Independence Movement Day), "We remember the passionate cries and sacrifices of our ancestors who fought against Japanese colonial rule for national autonomy, independence, and world peace," adding, "In times of crisis, I will be the leader who first takes up arms and fights."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the same day, he posted on Facebook under the title "Reflecting on the passionate cries and sacrifices of our ancestors 103 years ago and the noblesse oblige of South Korea’s leadership," expressing these thoughts.

Candidate Ahn said, "On the occasion of March 1st, I reflect on the noble dedication of that day and the responsibility of the social leadership toward the nation and community," mentioning, "In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the former president of Ukraine personally took up arms and joined the defense forces to protect the capital, Kyiv. Active-duty lawmakers without military service experience enlisted as reservists and took up arms."

He continued, "While the political leadership bears great responsibility for failing to prevent the war, I highly commend the patriotic decision to personally take up arms and fight with their lives on the line during wartime."

He added, "However, unfortunately, there is little record of the children of our social leadership taking up arms to defend the homeland during the Korean War," and questioned, "Among the entrenched privileged classes in our country, stained by double standards, cheating, and privilege, how many would actually take up arms in a national crisis?"

Candidate Ahn emphasized, "If I become president, based on a strong ROK-U.S. alliance, we will possess a powerful autonomous defense capability grounded in advanced science and technology," and stated, "Through strong defense and competent diplomacy, we will prevent war while establishing a robust ROK-U.S. combined defense system with no gaps in national security."

He concluded, "Although such a situation should never arise, if we were to face a situation like Ukraine’s, I would be the first to take up arms and fight," explaining, "As a member of the leadership, it is only natural to fulfill my responsibility and duty to the nation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.